By Venus May H. Sarmiento

DAGUPAN CITY (27 April) -- High awareness, as well as, high utilization of iodized salt could mean a healthier lifestyle and a longer life expectancy for Filipinos.

In the case of iodine, a vital mineral needed for brain development, humans need only about 150 micrograms a day to keep the body in stunning health.

This was disclosed by Mr. Johnny Khong Hun of the Salinas Foods Inc, makers of the FIDEL Iodized salt. Khong Hun said iodine is mixed in salt because as the body needs food everyday, the salt is placed in almost every food everyday.

“Our body absorbs minerals everyday but once we urinate, the minerals like iodine, are gone,” Khong Hun said, “That’s why we have to replenish our body everyday with minerals. Kaya nilagay ang iodine sa asin, dahil ginagamit natin ang asin-araw-araw”, he explained

FIDEL salt which stands for Fortification for Iodine Deficiency Elimination, is the first locally-made iodized salt in the country endorsed by the Department of Health.

Khong Hun said his company seeks to address the quality of a living person and help in fighting the non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension which are usually more dreadful.

“Invest in your health, not in doctors or hospitals” Khong Hun stressed.

DOH data shows that four out of ten Filipinos do not have enough of the minimum requirement for iodine. They run the risk of developing goiters or enlarged thyroid glands. For pregnant women, iodine deficiency could lead to reproductive problems. There is also a big chance that the babies will be born with underdeveloped brains.

Realizing the extent of the problem, the DOH continues to embark on aggressive campaigns for iodine. In Pangasinan, the DOH joined hands with the Salinas Foods, Incorporated and the Philippine Information Agency in promoting awareness and utilization of iodized salt to the townfolk